Dynamic behaviour of Bio-inspired heterocyclic aramid Fibre-reinforced laminates subjected to Low-velocity Drop-weight impact

• Published in: Composites. Part A, Applied science and manufacturing Vol. 153; p. 106733
• Main Authors: Wang, Caizheng, Su, Dandan, Xie, Zhifeng, Wang, Hongxu, Hazell, Paul J., Zhang, Zhifang, Zhou, Ming
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 01.02.2022
• Subjects: A. Aramid fibres; absorption; B. Impact behaviour; Bio-inspired composite laminates; C. Damage mechanics; delamination; energy; heterocyclic compounds; A. Aramid fibres; C. Damage mechanics; B. Impact behaviour; Bio-inspired composite laminates
• ISSN: 1359-835X; 1878-5840
• DOI: 10.1016/j.compositesa.2021.106733

•Low-velocity impact response of four type HAFRPs are reported.•Bio-inspired laminate shows special features on impact stiffness and peak force.•Cross-ply HAFRP has the best impact resistance subject to low-velocity impact.•Rotating path of delaminations for bio-inspired laminate have been identified. This paper determines the low-velocity impact response of two helicoidal laminates, where ply angles are in linear and non-linear arrangements, inspired by the laminar structures in the exoskeletons of crustaceans. For comparison, two conventional cross-ply and quasi-isotropic layups were also studied. The laminate specimens were manufactured using heterocyclic aramid fibres, and an instrumented drop-weight impact facility was used for experimental tests. The force–displacement curves were recorded for analysing the evolution of dynamic failure and energy absorption of laminates during impact. Moreover, CT-scan was employed to analyse the internal damage and delamination distribution in tested samples. The results revealed that the bio-inspired linear helicoidal laminate had the highest stiffness under out-of-plane low-velocity impact compared with other laminates. In addition, the linear helicoidal layup could resist the highest peak forces before penetrating damage occurs. However, it was found that helicoidal laminates could not absorb as much impact energy as the cross-ply counterpart.